Mikel Arteta makes new Arsenal transfer admission amid title wobble

Gunners boss open to fresh signings this month but admits there is no guarantee
George Flood6 January 2024

Mikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal may not sign any new players during the current January transfer window.

The Gunners sat top of the Premier League table at Christmas as they mount a title bid for the second successive season, though a damaging run of just one win from their last six games culminating in back-to-back defeats by London rivals West Ham and Fulham has sparked fears of another collapse.

Arsenal have tumbled behind leaders Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester City all the way down to fourth place in 2024, with a combination of their upcoming winter break and north London rivals Tottenham being only a point behind with a trip to Manchester United on the horizon meaning they could well be out of the top four altogether by the time they host Crystal Palace in their next league game at the Emirates Stadium on January 20.

Such a sustained blip has highlighted the need for Arsenal to reinforce their squad this month, with the club known to be interested in the likes of returning Brentford striker Ivan Toney.

Concern: Arsenal have won only one of their last six Premier League matches
PA

And while Arteta has once again reiterated that Arsenal are open to adding new faces in the winter market, he insists the primary focus is on the players already at his disposal as he conceded publicly that it is possible nobody else arrives for the second half of the campaign.

"We are open to the transfer market," said Arteta before Sunday's latest high-profile showdown with title rivals Liverpool, this time at home in the third round of the FA Cup. "But the emphasis is on making the most of the players we have.

"We will work with the club and see if we have any good options but first, our focus is on the players here."

Asked if Arsenal might not sign anyone before the window closes, the Gunners boss then replied: "That's a possibility."

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